Golden Dawn, G.D. (in Greek, Chrysi Avgi), the neo-Nazi, ultra-nationalistic party, which was recently elected to the Greek Parliament under the pretext of concern over unemployment, austerity and the economy, and while engaging in virulent anti-immigrant rhetoric and anti-democratic, nationalistic activities, has now established a chapter in New York City. Several groups and organizations have already publicly expressed their outrage and have called for immediate action.

For over 30 years, G.D. has operated from the margins of the far right political spectrum using the symbols, practices and methods of a racist, anti-democratic and intolerant neo-Nazi ideology. The recent economic crisis, however, has brought them to the forefront of political developments. They recently drew the attention of the international media when one of their Parliament members physically attacked two women from Left wing parties on live television. Before that incident and since, G.D. thugs have organized murderous attacks against immigrants, left wingers, gays as well as anyone who will stand in their way.

G.D. harbors common criminals. In the 70s, the “Fuhrer,” as they honorably call their leader, was imprisoned for setting off bombs in cinemas that showed films of Soviet production. Around the same period, members of the organization were also prosecuted for committing acts of terrorism against left wing newspapers and organizations. Today, they exhibit particular disdain against Muslims while they also openly deny the Holocaust.

In New York City, G.D. masquerades as a philanthropic organization conducting food and clothing drives. The goal of such activities is to popularize G.D.’s neo-Nazi ideology and enlist public sympathy. G.D.’s ‘philanthropic’ activity is a cynical ploy and has to be condemned as such. Alternatively, “Doctors of the World,” “AHEPA,” and a number of other international or community- based NGOs rely on our help to support the Greek people. We urge all who wish to do so to support legitimate charities and Greek solidarity groups, and reject Golden Dawn’s advances.

History teaches us that economic crises can breed hatred, racism and ultimately fascism. Capitalism divides us along social, cultural and political lines so as to dominate us more effectively. Few cities in the world other than New York know this better. We therefore invite immigrant organizations, unions, teachers’ associations and cultural organizations to an open meeting where we can freely discuss and decide how we can effectively act against racism, violence and fascism.

"The European citizens should know, that loans to Greece are paid into an "escrow" account and are used exclusively to repay past loans and to re-capitalise near bankrupt private banks. The money cannot be used to pay salaries and pensions, or to buy basic medicine for hospitals and milk for schools. The precondition for these loans is even more austerity, paralysing the Greek economy and increasing the possibility of default. If there is a risk of European taxpayers losing their money, it is created by austerity.

This has to stop now. Europe needs a new plan to deepen European integration. Such a plan must challenge neo-liberalism and lead European economies back to recovery. It should prioritise the needs of workers, pensioners and the unemployed, not the interests of multinational companies and bankrupt bankers. Syriza-USF has committed itself to this road. We know it is a difficult one. But it is the only plan that can restore the European vision of social justice, peace and solidarity.

This plan will succeed only if popular struggles radically change the balance of forces. These struggles have started already and have led to the rise of left and resistance movements throughout Europe. They keep alive democracy, equality, freedom and solidarity, the most important values of the European political tradition. These values must prevail. Otherwise Europe will regress to a dark past we thought gone for ever.

[*Alexis Tsipras is the president of Greece's 'Syriza United Social Front - the antithesis of 'GD']

Maybe simply asking what any of this has to do with Wall Street rather than playing ism games would be more useful. The problem in Greece wasn't capitalism, it was a system of bribes and the same favoritism and attempt to buy the 1% with massive tax cuts and subsidies, as if they were going to create jobs or something. Please stop trying to spin everything into your own personal anti-ism rant. Hate crimes, nationalism, and bribes exist in every political ism out there.

Congress changed the holiday to "Veterans Day" in 1954, to include World War II. In 2008, the Veterans For Peace (VFP) convention voted to return to the original name of the holiday, "Armistice Day."

VFP Chapter 27 in Minneapolis for many years has asked churches to ring their bells 11 times at 11am, on November 11, as it was done at the end of World War I.

This year Veterans for Peace is partnering with Move to Amend to expand Armistice Day observances. MTA works to end corporate personhood and "money is speech" in elections through constitutional amendment. These goals are key if we are to "abolish war as an instrument of national policy."

We say YA BASTA! Enough already!

To organize a vigil or bell ringing ceremony to reclaim Armistice Day as a day "dedicated to the cause of world peace," contact Larry Johnson, member of VFP Chapter 27 and a supporter of MTA at larryjvfp@gmail.com or 612-747-3904.
Use this flyer to announce your local action.

We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, and move to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.